Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Review: Is it worth buying?
This $437 moisturiser has been hailed a “miracle product” but there’s an affordable alternative also getting rave reviews.
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Ever wondered if that cult beauty product with an eye-watering price tag was actually worth it?
You know, those ‘miracle’ creams that every celebrity swears by using before a big awards show. It’s the product you check out in duty free to see if it’s much cheaper before reading the price tag and swiftly realising no, it’s definitely not.
Enter Augustinus Bader’sThe Rich Cream. To call it simply a moisturiser would be reductive — this iconic product is an absolutely powerhouse. It’s also an investment, with the 15ml bottle costing $139.
But is The Rich Cream worth it? After testing it for a month (with a heavy dose of scepticism) I have to say yes, it definitely earns its hefty price tag as it exceeded my expectations in every way.
However, I totally get that spending over $100 on a single beauty product is not realistic for most people, no matter how good it is — it’s definitely not feasible for me. So I’ve also included two affordable creams I think are a great alternative to The Rich Cream. The best bit? They’re both under $30.
PROS
+Only need to use a small amount
+A ‘one and done’ product – works well on its own.
+Primes skin for makeup
+Extremely hydrating
+Doesn’t pill or make skin greasy
CONS
-Very expensive
PRICE
15ml: $139
30ml: $271
50ml: $437
NOTE: There’s also a regular and light version of the cream
In this review
How we tested Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream
What is The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader?
Is Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream worth it?
Affordable Dupes of The Rich Cream
Other great Augustinus Bader Products
HOW WE TESTED AUGUSTINUS BADER’S THE RICH CREAM
To help you decide if Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is really worth your coin, I put it to the test for four weeks. During this time I wore it in a variety of scenarios — on its own, at night, during the day, exercising and under makeup.
WHAT IS THE RICH CREAM BY AUGUSTINUS BADER?
The Rich Cream is Augustinus Bader’s signature product, containing the skincare brand’s patented trigger factor complex, otherwise known as TFC8.
It’s suitable for dry to normal skin and will not only hydrate but protect against environmental damage, promote skin elasticity and skin barrier function.
Augustinus Bader was founded in 2018 by Professor Augustinus Bader. The German-born biomedical scientist is a global leader in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In 2008 Prof Bader developed a wound gel which was able to replace surgery and skin grafts to treat skin traumas. It was this breakthrough (as well as the more than three decades Prof Bader spent researching the skin’s ability to heal) that led him to launching his eponymous beauty brand.
In the five years since launching Augustinus Bader has build up a firm fan base that includes celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie.
All of Augustinus Bader’s products contain TFC8, a combination of amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesised molecules that are naturally found in the body. Think of TFC8 as a way to turbocharge your skin’s renewal abilities, with it working to nourish and protect the skin.
WHAT DOES THE RICH CREAM DO?
In short — everything. I’ve never seen results like this from a moisturiser alone. It performs better than the best serums I’ve used — It leaves my skin hydrated, plump and with a more even skin tone from just one small pump twice a day.
Dehydrated skin? I don’t know her! My forehead and under-eye lines are also looking less visible than usual. This is a great product if you’re looking to simplify your skin routine and just want to use one product rather than a range of serums, oils and lotions.
The Rich Cream could easily replace hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluaronic acid as well as facial oils.
Given it also supports skin renewal you could also use actives like vitamin C less frequently (or not at all).
It also makes a great makeup primer as it smooths skin while absorbing quickly. It never left a greasy residue like some heavy moisturisers do or caused products on top of it to pill.
HOW TO APPLY THE RICH CREAM
The best way to apply The Rich Cream is on clean, damp skin. Apply a pump to your hands and use your fingertips to massage into your skin. In the morning you would apply The Rich Cream after your serums and before your sunscreen. At night The Rich Cream is the final step in your routine.
THE RICH CREAM: MY RESULTS
For me, I’ve seen the greatest improvement in my skin barrier. Because I test products for a living I do tend to use a lot of active ingredients on my face which can make it hypersensitive or feel tight.
The Rich Cream has really helped with that and means my skin no longer stings or feels sore when applying actives. I also got a facial that included a chemical exfoliator and when the dermal therapist was applying it she warned me it would sting. But because my skin barrier is so much calmer since using The Rich Cream, the discomfort was minimal.
My skin is also super hydrated with no dry patches or flaky skin. I’ve honestly never been able to get hydration like this from a single product and would usually rely on a hydrating serum, face oil and moisturiser to keep my skin from getting dry. But The Rich Cream does it all with a small pump that also doesn’t leave your skin looking oily or shiny. It truly is a miracle product.
IS AUGUSTINUS BADER’S THE RICH CREAM WORTH IT?
This is probably going to be controversial, but in my opinion it is absolutely worth it. The transformation I’ve seen in my skin tone and texture over a month has been nothing short of astounding.
If you usually spend $100 to $150 on your beauty products it does work out to be fairly good value when you consider it can replace most other beauty products.
I think it’s worth it if you’re looking to simplify your routine with an effective, results-driven product or want to stop spending big on in-salon skin treatments and focus on at-home products.
I would recommend buying the 15ml size at first to see if it suits your skin and you could even use it only at night to stretch it out.
Having said all this, do I think The Rich Cream is an absolute must? No. There are plenty of moisturisers on the market that perform well (albeit not quite as well) and only cost $100, $50 or even $20.
I strongly believe that no one should feel pressured into buying beauty products outside of their budget (and likewise not feel shamed if they do spend more than others) — it’s all about what you can afford and what areas of your life you see the value in spending more on.
AFFORDABLE DUPES OF THE RICH CREAM
The Rich Cream out of your budget? No worries! Here are two moisturisers I think make a great alternative if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative.
It’s important to note that they’re not an exact dupe (no matter what TikTok says, a $20 moisturiser is never going to be the same as a $400 one) but have a similar texture and great results.
WELEDA Skin Food, $27.95, Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
This heavy-duty moisturiser is a celebrity favourite and also a top pick of the news.com.au shopping team. I have to admit, the smell took some getting used to (it’s quite a strong mix of orange, lavender and vanilla — all natural, of course) and it is quite thick in consistency. But once you massage it into your skin it absorbs well and leaves skin looking plump and glowy. I really liked this during the day under makeup as it made a really nice hydrating base. Designed for ultra dry skin, Skin Food is soothing and dermatologically tested with extracts of pansy, camomile and calendula. It’s also available via a discounted subscription at Amazon Australia, meaning you can get it even cheaper - score!
CeraVe Moisturising Cream, $21.99, Priceline
What You Need To Know
I’ve raved about this moisturiser before — it quite literally saved my skin while I was on acne medication. The texture of this moisturiser makes it feel like a much more expensive product and it contains ceramides which not only helps with hydration, but also helps strengthen your skin barrier. In my opinion this moisturiser stacks up to The Rich Cream as it has the same hydrating, calming effect on my skin. The only downside is that it is a little too thick during the warmer months — save it for night time use only during summer.
OTHER GREAT AUGUSTINUS BADER SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Augustinus Bader The Cream, from $139
What You Need To Know
This is a lightweight version of Augustinus Bader’s signature The Rich Cream designed for combination to oily skin types or if you live in a more humid climate.
It still contains The Rich Cream’s signature TFC8 ingredient to support skin renewal, with reviews saying it leaves their face “soft and fresh all day long”.
“I know everyone is on the bandwagon for The Rich Cream, but The Rich Cream is too heavy for my skin,” one five star review says. “However The Cream is miraculous. My skin is smooth and pore-less. I’m a lifetime user.”
Augustinus Bader The Serum, from $550
What You Need To Know
Like The Rich Cream, The Serum is designed to be a ‘one and done’ product, working to both hydrate skin and improve skin tone. It also contains TFC8 making it perfect to turbocharge results if you’re already using The Rich Cream. With an average 4.8 star rating from close to 100 reviews, shoppers say The Serum gives “excellent results” and “absorbs quickly and easily”.
Augustinus Bader The Foaming Cleanser, $105
What You Need To Know
This lightweight cleanser goes from cream to foam for a thorough clean without stripping your skin. Instead it helps to not only purify skin but to hydrate and combat damage from the environment.
“Great cleanser. Not only does my face feel super clean, (it gets) moisturised at the same time!” one five star review says.
Augustinus Bader The Light Cream, from $139
What You Need To Know
The lightest cream in Augustinus Bader’s collection, this is specifically for extremely oily skin. It’s ultra lightweight for a mattifying finish that prevents shine while still hydrating and protecting your skin.
“I have to say that this is now my go to cream for my day time,” one five star review reads.
“I have oily skin and I was excited to try this as I have tried quite a few creams and this is the only one that made a difference from day one.”
Augustinus Bader The Essence, from $47
What You Need To Know
This is a three-in-one product designed to work as a toner, gentle exfoliant and as a hydrating essence. It contains TFC8, natural actives to nourish and hydrate skin as well as working as a toner to reduce skin discolouration and improve texture.
“I love this essence. It takes just a few drops to keep my skin exfoliated, clear and glowing,” one five star reviewing customer writes.
Augustinus Bader The Face Oil, from $140
What You Need To Know
Face oils are a gorgeously luxe addition to your skincare routine and it doesn’t get more luxe than this one. Designed to “melt” into the skin, The Face Oil aims to be intensively restorative while supporting your complexion’s radiance.
“This face oil is hydrating without feeling too oily. It makes my skin glow!” one five star review reads.
“I am not a review writer, but this face oil deserves every recommendation and celebration. It works.
“My (slightly) mature skin looks and feels better. Pricey- yes. Worth every penny? Also yes,” another shopper who wrote a five star review shared.
More skincare content:
Best moisturisers for dry skin
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